Med School Unlocked: Study Smarter, Not Harder

Assalamu Alaikum!

Succeeding in medical school isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. With the right approach, you can master lectures, revise effectively, and stay ahead in both pre-clinical and clinical years. In this guide, I’ll share the strategies that helped me navigate med school, from using Anki and active recall to excelling in OSCEs and essays. Let’s get started!

How I Aced Pre-Clin

Pre-clin is tough, but smart strategies can help.

Mastering Lectures

Most exam content comes from lectures, so focus on understanding rather than memorising everything. Repeated concepts are high yield, so pay extra attention. For modules like IRM & CVS, build a strong foundation early; otherwise, later content won’t make sense. Lectures by module leads are key—Cooper’s for NAS/BAB and Brain’s for REN.

Effective Revision

Make Anki/revision notes as you go—your future self will thank you. I made my Anki decks during lectures using Hamza’s notes and PowerPoints, then reviewed them daily. Some prefer revising closer to exams, but early learning helps in SGTs.

Social Sciences & Essays

Don’t neglect the social sciences (PPP, DPS, DEM & HES)—they’re easy marks.

Pre-clin has three essays (PAS, CBM, PIP). To score well:

• Attend support sessions
• Study the mark scheme & sample essays
• Get feedback from older years
• Research thoroughly—PubMed is your friend!

Your PIP tutor marks your essay, so engage in sessions for better feedback (and marks).

Anatomy & OSCEs

Use lecture slides, Osmosis, Kenhub, and YouTube. For Anki, IO cards are gold—check out pre-made decks like Michigan’s for prosec exams.

For OSCEs, practice with peers, be kind to the patients, and stick to a logical structure. Don’t underestimate common cases like headaches.

Clinical Years Revision Tips – How to Succeed

Congratulations on making it to the clinical years! You’ve tackled the gruelling pre-clinical phase, and now it’s time for what you truly signed up for—Doctoring!

Success in clinical years comes down to four key strategies:

1. Active Recall & Spaced Repetition

Ditch passive reading—active recall is king. Use Anki or question banks like PASSMED and Humzah’s IMED Notes to test yourself. Long-term retention comes from spaced repetition, so review topics consistently rather than cramming.

2. Focus on Clinical Relevance

Use case-based learning and question banks to connect theory to practice. Prioritise common conditions you’ll see on the wards, in surgery, and in GP.

3. Use Multiple Modalities

Keep learning engaging by combining textbooks, online videos (Osmosis, YouTube), podcasts (Zero to Finals is great), and group study! Practicing clinical skills with peers will reinforce your knowledge and help with OSCE prep.

4. Plan & Stay Consistent

Balance ward rounds, self-directed study, and personal time with a structured timetable. Success in OSCEs and AKT exams requires steady, consistent effort.

OSCE Revision – The Golden Rule: PRACTICE!

Nothing beats hands-on practice. Examiners can spot someone trying to bluff their way through. Use your time between teaching to practise with patients.

Must-have resources:

• Geeky Medics online membership (£33 approx.)
• OSCE STOP book (cheap on eBay)

I’m not sponsored, but as a broke postgrad medic, I wish I was!

Good luck to everyone reading this. May Allah bless your journey to becoming esteemed doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals. You’ve got this!

~ Haider Ali & Seemab Cheema